Disney fans are never short on opinions, but the debate over where the company should open its next theme park? That’s taking things to a whole new level.
Ever since Disney pulled the curtain back on its bold plans for Disneyland Abu Dhabi, the chatter hasn’t stopped. Sure, the Middle East is getting its first-ever Disney park, but theme park lovers across the globe are already looking ahead—many passionately arguing that their home deserves to be next on Disney’s radar.
The latest battleground? It’s a global one, stretching from the wide-open plains of Texas to the beaches of Brazil. And while Disney hasn’t confirmed anything beyond Abu Dhabi, that hasn’t stopped the rumor mill—and the fan debates—from going into overdrive.
Abu Dhabi Is Just the Beginning
Let’s not downplay what’s happening in the UAE. Disneyland Abu Dhabi isn’t some small side project—it’s a massive endeavor that’ll see Disney partner with Miral Group to create a park that’s as ambitious as it is unconventional.
What makes it unconventional? For starters, most of it will be indoors—a necessity in a place where summer temps make Florida look chilly. The setup mirrors Disney’s arrangement in Tokyo, where local partners handle the big spending, while Disney takes care of the magic and rakes in a share of the profits.
But the road to opening is long. With a projected timeline stretching to 2032 or even later, the focus is already drifting to the next big thing. And depending on where you live, that next big thing feels like a personal battle for bragging rights.
Texas, Australia, and Beyond: The Passionate Race to Be Next
Texas has been hanging around the Disney rumor mill for what feels like forever. It makes sense—big state, booming economy, and sitting squarely between the East and West Coasts. Some fans think Disney could finally fill that gaping hole between Disneyland and Disney World.
And when a new theme park project in neighboring Oklahoma started making headlines, it only fueled the speculation. Would Disney let others move into its turf without staking its claim? So far, Disney’s lips are sealed, but Texas fans are getting louder by the day.
Then there’s Australia. No place on Earth has fans who feel more left out. Despite decades of rumors and wishful thinking, the Land Down Under is still without its own Disney park. Logistics, distance, and costs have always kept Disney at bay—but fans there aren’t giving up hope.
Meanwhile, other contenders are quietly entering the conversation. Brazil’s fan base is massive, and while the country’s financial and political turbulence make it risky, that hasn’t cooled fans’ dreams of finally seeing a castle in South America.
South Korea, too, keeps popping up in speculation circles. Seoul is an entertainment powerhouse, and Disney once flirted with the idea of building there. Could that spark reignite now that Disney is making bold moves again?
And let’s not forget India—arguably the sleeping giant of Disney’s global ambitions. But, as with other regions, the road is blocked by red tape and infrastructure hurdles.
No Confirmations, Only Dreams (and Debates)
Disney’s keeping quiet. Beyond Abu Dhabi, no new parks have been officially greenlit. And with the company moving carefully after years of aggressive expansions and some stumbles, it might be a while before we get another big announcement.
But that’s not stopping fans from staking their claim. For them, it’s not just about where Disney might make the most financial sense—it’s about the personal connection, the pride, and the dream of finally having a piece of the Disney magic close to home.
From Texas to Brazil, the debate is only getting louder. And until Disney makes its next move, the battle for the next Disney theme park will rage on in message boards, social media, and theme park communities across the globe.
